In Sheffield we're interested in algae for producing biofuels. We sometimes grow them in conical flasks stood on light boxes, like the ones used in hospitals to look at x-rays. I was astonished at how expensive (and dim) they are. As ever, Instructables to the rescue! I flippin' love Instructables.
IKEA do a good line in plain, semi-transparent plastic tubs that diffuse light nicely. I balked at the price of their bright LED arrays, although perhaps the light would be less spiky than the fluorescent tubes I went for. We'll see. Here's what I used...
- IKEA Snålis box lid (40 x 30cm) £0.60
- IKEA Samla transparent box (39 x 28 x 14cm) £1.49
- Wickes 275mm Under Cupboard Light £12.99
- Aluminium foil (from my kitchen)
The Samla box doesn't go with the lid (but sort of fits) - I picked it because it is more shallow than the Snålis box. I lined it with foil, fitted a plug to the light and put it in. Because the lid doesn't quite fit you needn't even drill a hole in your nice box, although if things start getting a bit hot this might be a good idea along the sides.
The light is more uniform than it looks in the photo above, but more lights can be daisy-chained onto the same power supply if you need it to be brighter and widely spread. For £15 I'm quite pleased with it.
Now to save the planet
Paul an ingenious solution for bench scale cultivation of algae.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I must say that I'm gutted having just spent £150 for a light box that has a duller light.
In the austere times in which we find ourselves I believe that all scientists have a duty to be fiscally responsible. Bring on "CHEAP SCIENCE"...
Maybe you could integrate a computer fan into the underneath, to help dissipate heat. You can pick them up cheaply too.
ReplyDeleteThat'd work Dr F, although it doesn't seem to get very hot with just the one light.
ReplyDelete